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What Causes Extremely Dry Mouth, Thirst, High Blood Sugar And Weight Loss?
Question: I have been off of Metformin 500, twice a day, prescribed half dose, for over 2 years. The past two months I have noticed a loss of 15 pounds, and developed super dry mouth and thirst. Tested my blood sugar this morning and result was 309. Diet is mostly organics, but am concerned about the high level of weight loss, and am aware that weight loss can contribute to high blood sugar. I am 5'8", and muscular build, and have averaged 180-185 lbs., I currently hover around 170 lbs. Blood sugar high. I have a bottle of Metformin with an expiration date of 6/2013. Would it still be effective to try?
Brief Answer:
No
Detailed Answer:
It is not advisable to take that metformin which well beyond it's expiration date.
Even if you had an unexpired stock, taking one pill will not promptly reduce your blood glucose levels.
Your weight loss is likely a result of running high blood glucose levels, and not the other way round. However, other potential causes of weight loss need to be ruled out before ascribing the weight loss to uncontrolled diabetes.
Regarding your current blood glucoses, when I see someone like you I advise them to seek urgent medical care to quickly bring the levels close to 100 or thereabouts.
This may entail insulin injections, even if for a short time such as a few days. I gradually transition them to oral medications within a week or so.
Such treatment often requires finesse. Endocrinologists are deemed as diabetes experts. I strongly suggest you find one soon who will examine you in person and make a comprehensive plan to control your diabetes better.
For now, I generally recommend patients with glucoses hovering around 300 to go to the ER
No
Detailed Answer:
It is not advisable to take that metformin which well beyond it's expiration date.
Even if you had an unexpired stock, taking one pill will not promptly reduce your blood glucose levels.
Your weight loss is likely a result of running high blood glucose levels, and not the other way round. However, other potential causes of weight loss need to be ruled out before ascribing the weight loss to uncontrolled diabetes.
Regarding your current blood glucoses, when I see someone like you I advise them to seek urgent medical care to quickly bring the levels close to 100 or thereabouts.
This may entail insulin injections, even if for a short time such as a few days. I gradually transition them to oral medications within a week or so.
Such treatment often requires finesse. Endocrinologists are deemed as diabetes experts. I strongly suggest you find one soon who will examine you in person and make a comprehensive plan to control your diabetes better.
For now, I generally recommend patients with glucoses hovering around 300 to go to the ER
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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